Clearing Trouble Codes

NOTE: Ford DOES NOT provide procedures other than those described to retrieve or clear trouble codes.

ABS Components:

Two warning lamps are located on the instrument panel to alert the driver to a system malfunction. The red brake warning lamp is used to indicate conventional brake system malfunctions such as low fluid level, parking brake applied and low vacuum conditions (diesel engines only). The yellow anti-lock system warning lamp is used to indicate proper warning lamp circuit operation (2 second illumination with ignition On or engine cranking). If yellow lamp comes on while vehicle is being driven, it is alerting the driver of an anti-lock system malfunction and yellow lamp can then be used to access flashout codes. This self-test feature contains 13 codes to indicate area of system malfunction. When a malfunction is detected within the system, the computer module will shutdown the anti-lock system and illuminate the yellow warning lamp on the instrument panel. This will permit normal braking and at the same time will store a code in the system memory which can be retrieved by grounding the diagnostic connector of the computer module and counting the number of flashes of the yellow light. If the ignition is turned off before diagnosis is performed, the code stored will be lost. In this case, the vehicle must be started and driven to reproduce the condition. If more than one fault exists, only the first code recorded will be displayed. Additional codes will output only after the first fault has been corrected.

Fig. 45 Flashout Code Chart:

When only the yellow anti-lock brake system warning lamp is illuminated during vehicle operation (red brake system warning lamp is off), a service condition is present in the anti-lock brake system. At this point, a code will be stored in the computer module until the ignition switch is placed in the Off position. It is recommended that the fault code be obtained before the ignition is placed in the Off position. If ignition is placed in the Off position before obtaining the fault code, the vehicle may have to be driven in an effort to recreate the service condition.
If more than one service coed is present, the first recognized flash out code can be obtained. If the yellow warning lamp is illuminated, but no fault codes are stored, a loss of power to the module, low brake fluid level or defective low brake fluid warning system may be present. In the case of low fluid level and defective brake fluid level warning system, the red brake system warning lamp may also be illuminated.
1. If ignition switch has been placed in Off position, start engine and operate vehicle in an effort to recreate the service condition.
2. Connect suitable jumper wire to the diagnostic connector, then momentarily ground jumper wire to chassis. As ground connection is made and broken, the yellow warning lamp will begin to flash the fault code.
3. Fault codes will be displayed as short flashes and a long flash. As an example, two short flashes and one long flash would indicated flashout code 3. Observe flashout code several times to avoid misreading. The code will continue to flash until the ignition is placed in the Off position.
4. Refer to flashout code charts, and diagnostic charts, for diagnostic and testing procedures.
5. After correcting service condition, the vehicle may be operated to obtain the next flashout code as necessary.
6. After all flashout codes have been obtained and service conditions corrected, remove jumper wire from diagnostic connector.